I have worked with teenagers for the last 11 years in a number of capacities, but there is one thing I can always remember hearing, “The Bible is kinda boring and not really relevant.” I can easily relate to those feelings because up until recent years, I only found portions of scripture to be really fascinating; the rest of it had a purpose, but I wasn’t too concerned with it. Paul addressed this issue with Timothy and reminded him of the importance and role of the scriptures in his life.
16All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
God has spoken to his people in hundreds of different forms throughout the years: Angels, dreams, symbolic actions, a small voice, burning bush, prayer, fire, writing on a wall, visions, prophets, a donkey (Num. 22:28), preaching, miracles, a trumpet, fleece, and casting lots just to name a few, but the most consistent way of speaking to his people is through His Word.
In the study “When God Speaks” by Henry & Richard Blackaby, they break down this passage into four simple phrases revolving around the concept of how to know what to do as a follower of Christ.
God’s Word is useful for…
Teaching - to impart knowledge or skill to somebody by instruction and/or example
What is Right
Rebuking - to criticize or reprimand somebody, usually sharply; to tell somebody off
What is not right
Correcting - to take the errors out of something
How to get right
Training in Righteousness- learn the skills necessary to do a job, or teach somebody such skills, especially through practical experience
How to stay right
As leaders, if we sincerely put these truths to practice, what things would change in our ministries?
As parents, there is a tendency to say things like, “We want our kids in church so they can hear the teachings of Christ. They need the Word, but now that I’m grown up, I can make it on my own.” Are you serious?! Adults face much more in life than kids and we need the guidance and direction much more than a child does. We need to be reminded of the love , encouragement and forgiveness of Christ, while at the same time being reminded of the consequences of our choices.
As we see how God speaks through His Word, I would even suggest that the purpose of Bible Study is not to understand doctrine or to even defend what you believe. Instead, it is a chance to do exactly what Paul says in v. 17, “to equip the saints.” If God is equipping you through his Word, your doctrine will develop just fine.
God’s Word helps equip you for the work He has planned for you.
When was the last time God’s Word made an impact on you?
Great stuff, Joshua! I would agree, as it is our job to train up our children in God's Word and ways, we can't do that if we ourselves aren't growing and willing to be trained as well! Thanks for being a great teacher, inside and outside of the home!
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